Motor accident, arrests, drink drivers keep Whangamata Police busy

A vehicle versus pedestrian accident occurred on Beach Rd, Whangamata, on Saturday.

A car and a pedestrian were involved in a motor accident on Saturday, November 26 on Beach Rd, Whangamata, near its intersection with Bond Rd, as the town revelled in the Beach Hop, one marred by a number of arrests and drink-driving offences.

A police spokesperson said, “Police were notified of a crash involving a car and a pedestrian around 12.55pm yesterday [November 26]. The pedestrian was transported to hospital in a moderate to serious condition and the road was not reported to have been blocked.”

Police added that disorderly behaviour and drivers over the alcohol limit kept them busy.

“A dozen people were arrested for various street offences, including fighting in a public place, and 13 people were caught drink-driving over the weekend in Whangamatā,” said the spokesperson.

In a statement, police said the vast majority of attendees at Beach Hop were well-behaved, however later in the evening police had to respond to incidents involving intoxicated people, and many alcohol infringement notices were issued for breaches of the liquor ban.

“This is unacceptable and disappointing for police,” the statement said.

“Waikato has seen its fair share of fatalities on the road over the course of this year and we know that intoxication increases the chance of causing harm on the road. As the holiday period approaches, this is a timely reminder for drivers to remember the responsibility they have on the road.

“Police will continue to target drink-drivers to keep our roads safe and encourage anyone who has been drinking to consider not only their safety, but that of other motorists too, and plan ahead by organising a sober driver.”